Design and Technology – Product analysis and evaluation | e-Consult

To guide design decisions towards environmental friendliness and ethical production, a product designer can utilize a framework based on several key criteria. This framework should be integrated throughout the design process, from initial concept to final product. Here are five distinct criteria:

1. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Conducting an LCA to evaluate the environmental impact of the product throughout its entire life cycle – from raw material extraction to disposal. This helps identify areas where environmental impact can be minimized. For example, an LCA might reveal that using recycled materials significantly reduces the product's carbon footprint.
2. Material Selection (Sustainable Sourcing): Prioritizing materials that are sustainably sourced, renewable, recycled, or biodegradable. This includes considering the environmental impact of material extraction and processing. Examples include using recycled plastics, bio-based polymers, or sustainably harvested wood. The designer should also consider the potential for material reuse or recyclability at the end of the product's life.
3. Design for Durability and Longevity:** Designing a product that is durable, reliable, and long-lasting reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing resource consumption and waste generation. This involves using robust materials, employing robust design principles, and designing for ease of repair.
4. Ethical Manufacturing (Fair Labor): Ensuring that the product is manufactured in factories with fair labor practices, including safe working conditions, fair wages, and the absence of child labor. This requires careful selection of suppliers and conducting audits to verify compliance with ethical standards. Transparency in the supply chain is also crucial.
5. Design for Disassembly and Recyclability:** Designing the product so that it can be easily disassembled at the end of its life, allowing for the recovery and recycling of its components. This involves using modular designs, minimizing the number of different materials, and avoiding the use of materials that are difficult to recycle. Clear labeling indicating materials composition is also important.

By incorporating these criteria into the design process, the designer can create products that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and ethically produced. This holistic approach contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future.